The 2024 NFL Draft is fast approaching, and the New York Jets are in an advantageous position as they prepare for the first round, which begins at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday night. During the three-day event in Detroit, a total of 257 players will be selected, and the Jets hold the 10th overall pick.
After a successful free agency period, the Jets are well-positioned to make a significant impact with their top pick. They have acquired three offensive linemen (Tyron Smith, Morgan Moses, and John Simpson) and signed wide receiver Mike Williams to a one-year contract worth up to $15 million. General manager Joe Douglas expressed his satisfaction with the team’s moves, stating that they have gained flexibility in their decision-making process. However, he acknowledged that if four quarterbacks are taken before the Jets’ turn, they will need to make a crucial decision at the 10th spot. Douglas emphasized their readiness to address the best player available, as they do every year.
Despite Douglas’s confidence in the team’s flexibility, the Jets still need to strengthen their depth at certain positions. Offensive line and wide receiver are two areas where they could potentially make significant upgrades.
One of the Jets’ primary concerns is protecting 40-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Last season, the Jets struggled with offensive line consistency, using 14 different combinations in 17 games. This instability contributed to their low rankings in yards and points per game. While they have made some improvements in this area, there are still some unanswered questions. Smith has not played a full season since 2015 and has missed 17 games in the past two years. Moses underwent offseason surgery for a torn pectoral muscle, and Alijah Vera-Tucker has suffered season-ending injuries in the past two seasons. These factors make it imperative for the Jets to consider drafting an offensive lineman with their top pick.
If the Jets prioritize offensive line depth, they have several promising options to choose from. Washington’s Troy Fautanu is considered one of the most versatile offensive linemen in this year’s draft. He can play either tackle or guard at the next level, although some analysts question his height for playing tackle in the NFL. Other potential offensive line targets include Penn State tackle Olu Fashanu, Oregon State tackle Taliese Fuaga, and Alabama tackle JC Latham.
While bolstering the offensive line is crucial, the Jets may also consider adding another offensive weapon for Rodgers. At the 10th spot, they will have a range of talented wide receivers and potentially a generational tight end to choose from. Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. and LSU’s Malik Nabers are expected to be off the board when the Jets pick. This could leave them with a decision between Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze or Georgia tight end Brock Bowers.
In any other draft, Odunze would be the top wide receiver available. However, the 2024 class of receivers is exceptionally strong. Many analysts have compared Odunze to former Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald or current Raiders receiver Davante Adams due to his exceptional route-running abilities. He also possesses speed, size, and athleticism, which are highly sought-after qualities in a wide receiver. Odunze had an impressive season for the Huskies, finishing with 92 receptions, 1,640 yards, and 13 touchdowns. Other wide receivers the Jets could target include LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr. or Texas’ Adonai Mitchell.
Bowers is widely expected to be the Jets’ pick if he is still available at No. 10. While they already have Tyler Conklin and Jeremy Ruckert on the roster, Bowers is not an ordinary tight end. He is an offensive weapon capable of unlocking an entire offense if he finds the right team. When he first joined Georgia, Bowers quickly established himself as one of the team’s best players. In three seasons, he recorded 175 catches for 2,538 yards and 26 touchdowns. Opposing defenses in the SEC struggled to contain him, as he not only made contested catches over the middle but also displayed elite quickness and explosiveness to elude defenders.
The Jets have been eager to appease Rodgers since his arrival, and this is unlikely to change during the 2024 NFL Draft. Therefore, they will likely select an offensive skill position player with their top pick. There is a possibility that Odunze will be taken before the Jets’ turn. If that happens, Bowers will likely be their choice. A great tight end can elevate an entire offense, as evidenced by Sam LaPorta’s immediate impact on the Lions after being selected in the second round of last year’s draft. LaPorta recorded 86 receptions for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns, helping the Lions reach the NFC Championship before losing to the 49ers. Bowers could have a similar effect on the Jets in 2024. The team needs someone to take some pressure off Garrett Wilson, who has been their leading receiver for the past two seasons. If Bowers is available at No. 10, it would be difficult for the Jets to pass on his exceptional talent.
The Jets are determined to make a strong playoff push in 2024. They are willing to do whatever it takes to reach the postseason for the first time since 2010 and compete for a Super Bowl. This includes selecting the best available player in this year’s draft.
